Cable management rack for telecommunication cross-connect systems

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure relates to a rack for telecommunications equipment. The rack includes a frame defining a bay opening sized and shaped for receiving a plurality of jack modules. The rack also includes a first set of cable management brackets that define a first vertical channel arranged and configured for receiving and vertically managing a plurality of cross-connect cables. Each of the cable management brackets includes a pivot portion that is pivotally movable relative to the frame. The pivot portions are pivotally movable between first positions in which the pivot portions extend partially across a front of the bay opening, and second positions in which the pivot portions are generally offset from the front of the bay opening. The present disclosure also relates to a rack for telecommunications equipment that includes rear cable management structure that defines a plurality of vertical channels along a back side of the rack. The present disclosure further relates to a telecommunications jack module including an array of jacks arranged in top and bottom horizontal rows. The jack module also includes an array of cross-connect locations positioned beneath the bottom horizontal row of jacks. The array of cross-connect locations is electrically connected to both the top and bottom rows of jacks.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field oftelecommunication equipment. More particularly, the present inventionrelates to high density frames, bays or racks for holding jack modulesused to provide cross-connections between telecommunication circuits.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] A digital cross-connect system (DSX) provides a location forinterconnecting two digital transmission paths. The apparatus for a DSXis located in one or more frames, racks or bays, usually in a telephonecentral office. The DSX apparatus also provides jack access to thetransmissions paths. DSX jacks are well known and commonly include aplurality of bores or ports sized for receiving tip-and-ring plugs. Inthe case of tip-and-ring plugs, a plurality of spring contacts areprovided within the ports for contacting the tip-and-ring plugs. Thejacks are typically electrically connected to digital transmissionlines, and are also electrically connected to a plurality of wiretermination members used to cross-connect the jacks. By inserting plugswithin the ports of the jacks, signals transmitted through the jacks canbe interrupted or monitored.

[0003] The number of jacks or cross-connect points that are located at abay of a given size is referred to as the density of the bay. As thecross-connect density increases, the management of telecommunicationwires or cables in the bay becomes increasingly complex. For highdensity DSX bays, wire management is critical. Ease of access toindividual jacks or jack modules is also important.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] One aspect of the present invention relates to a rack fortelecommunications equipment. The rack includes a frame defining a bayopening sized and shaped for receiving a plurality of jack modules. Therack also includes a first set of cable management brackets that definea first vertical channel arranged and configured for receiving andvertically managing a plurality of cross-connect cables. Each of thecable management brackets includes a pivot portion that is pivotallymovable relative to the frame. The pivot portions are pivotally movablebetween first positions in which the pivot portions extend partiallyacross a front of the bay opening, and second positions in which thepivot portions are generally offset from the front of the bay opening.To insert a jack module into the bay opening or to remove a jack modulefrom the bay opening, the pivot portions are pivoted to the secondpositions thereby allowing the jack module to be moved in or out of thebay opening without encountering interference from the cable managementbrackets. In this manner, jack modules can be inserted into the bayopening or removed from the bay opening without requiring the cablemanagement brackets to be disconnected from the frame.

[0005] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a cablemanagement bracket. The cable management bracket includes a firstbracket portion having a main base and spaced-apart, substantiallyparallel upper and lower bracket members that extend transverselyoutward from the main base. The first bracket portion also includesretaining tabs that project transversely outward from free ends of theupper and lower bracket members. The cable management bracket alsoincludes a second bracket portion including a pivot base and anintermediate bracket member that extends transversely outward from thepivot base. The intermediate bracket member is vertically alignedgenerally between the upper and lower bracket members of the firstbracket portion. The second bracket portion also includes a retainingtab that projects transversely outward from the intermediate bracketmember. The pivot base of the second bracket portion is pivotallyconnected to the main base of the first bracket portion such that thefirst and second bracket portions are pivotally movable relative to oneanother. For example, the first and second bracket portions can bepivoted between a first position in which the first and second bracketportions define a generally rectangular opening sized for receiving aplurality of cross-connect cables, and a second position in which theintermediate bracket member of the second bracket portion extendsbetween the upper and lower bracket members of the first bracketportion.

[0006] A further aspect of the present invention relates to a jackmodule for a telecommunications system. The jack module includes anarray of jacks forming a front face defining a plurality of ports forreceiving tip-and-ring plugs. The array of jacks includes a firsthorizontal row of jacks and a second horizontal row of jacks. The firsthorizontal row of jacks is positioned above the second horizontal row ofjacks. The jack module also includes an array of cross-connect locationspositioned beneath the second horizontal row of jacks. The array ofcross-connect locations includes first sets of cross-connect locationsthat are electrically connected to corresponding ones of the first rowof jacks. The array of cross-connect locations also includes second setsof cross-connect locations that are electrically connected tocorresponding ones of the second row of jacks.

[0007] Still another aspect of the present invention relates to a rackfor telecommunications equipment. The rack includes a frame defining abay opening sized and shaped for receiving a plurality of jack modulesthrough a front side of the frame. The rack also includes a rear cablemanagement structure mounted at a back side of the frame. The rear cablemanagement structure includes a rear panel defining at least one accessopening sized and positioned for providing access to input/outputconnection locations corresponding to at least one of the jack moduleswhen the jack module is mounted in the bay opening of the frame. Therear cable management structure also includes rear channel definingmembers secured to the rear panel. The rear channel defining membersdefine a plurality of rear cable management channels sized and shapedfor providing vertical cable management for input/output cables thatextend along the back side of the frame. By running input/output cablesalong the back side of the frame, fillers between adjacent frames can beeliminated. Also, besides managing the input/output cables located atthe back side of the frame, the rear channel defining members can alsobe used to segregate input/output cables from power and ground wirescorresponding to jack modules mounted on the rack.

[0008] A variety of advantages of the invention will be set forth inpart in the description that follows, and in part will be apparent fromthe description, or may be learned by practicing the invention. It is tobe understood that both the foregoing general description and thefollowing detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only andare not restrictive of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in andconstitute a part of this specification, illustrate several aspects ofthe invention and together with the description, serve to explain theprinciples of the invention. A brief description of the drawings is asfollows:

[0010]FIG. 1 is perspective view of two interconnected racks constructedin accordance with the principles of the present invention;

[0011]FIG. 2 is a front, elevational view of the two interconnectedracks of FIG. 1;

[0012]FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration showing the cross-connectsystem being used to cross-connect two pieces of telecommunicationsequipment;

[0013]FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of a jack module constructed inaccordance with the principles of the present invention;

[0014]FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of the jack module of FIG. 4;

[0015]FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the jack module of FIG. 4;

[0016]FIG. 7 is a rear elevational view of the jack module of FIG. 4;

[0017]FIG. 8 is an illustrative circuit diagram for one of the jacks ofthe jack module of FIG. 4;

[0018]FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a front cable management bracketused by the rack of FIGS. 1 and 2, the bracket is shown in an openorientation;

[0019]FIG. 9B is a perspective view of the bracket of FIG. 8A in aclosed orientation;

[0020]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a rear cable management structureconstructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

[0021]FIG. 11 is an elevational view of the rear cable managementstructure of FIG. 10;

[0022]FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a further rear cable managementstructure constructed in accordance with the principles of the presentinvention; and

[0023]FIG. 13 is an elevational view of the rear cable managementstructure of FIG. 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] I. General Description

[0025] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary aspects of thepresent invention that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughoutthe drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

[0026]FIGS. 1 and 2 show two interconnected racks 20 constructed inaccordance with the principles of the present invention. The racks 20are configured to form a front cross-connect system 18. Each of theracks 20 includes a frame 21 that defines a generally rectangular bayopening 22 sized and shaped for receiving a plurality of jack modules24. The jack modules 24 of the system each include a chassis 120 housinga front jack field 26, a front cross-connect field 46 (shown in FIGS. 4and 5), and a rear equipment or input/output field 58 (shown in FIGS. 6and 7). For clarity, the left rack 20 is shown fully loaded with thejack modules 24, while the right rack 20 is empty such that the bayopening 22 is more clearly visible.

[0027] The front cross-connect system 18 is used to providecross-connections between pieces of telecommunications equipment. Forexample, FIG. 3 schematically shows first and second pieces oftelecommunications equipment 23 and 25 that are cross-connected by thefront cross-connect system 18. As shown in FIG. 3, a twisted pair signal43 from the first piece of equipment 23 is inputted at a back side 15 ofthe system 18, cross-connected across a front side 17 of the system 18,and then outputted from the back side 15 of the system 18 to the secondpiece of equipment 25. Similarly, a twisted pair signal 45 from thesecond piece of equipment 25 is inputted at the back side 15 of thesystem 18, cross-connected across the front side 17 of the system 18,and then outputted from the back side 15 of the system 18 to the firstpiece of equipment 23. The cross-connect fields 46 provide accesslocations for cross-connecting the signals 43 and 45. The input/outputfields 58 provide access locations for inputting and outputting thesignals 43 and 45. As will be described later in the specification, thejack fields 26 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) provide access for interrupting,monitoring and bypassing the signals 43 and 45. As will also bedescribed later in the specification, the racks 20 are provided withvarious vertical and horizontal cable management structures for managingthe cables connected to the cross-connect fields 46 and the input/outputfields 58.

[0028] II. Chassis

[0029] The chassis 120 of the jack modules 24 provide two primaryfunctions. First, the chassis 120 are configured to house or support thejack fields 26, the cross-connect fields 46, and the input/output fields58. The chassis 120 are also configured to independently secure the jackmodules 24 to the frames 21.

[0030] Referring to FIG. 4, a representative one of the jack modules 24and its corresponding chassis 120 are shown. The chassis 120 includes atop cover 122 positioned opposite from a bottom cover 124. Oppositelypositioned main side walls 126 are fastened between the top and bottomcovers 122 and 124. Central extensions 128 (only the top one of which isshown) project outward in a forward direction from the top and bottomcovers 122 and 124. Generally rectangular notches 130 are located onopposite sides of the central extensions 128. Oppositely positionedsecondary side walls 132 (only one of which is shown) are fastenedbetween central extensions 128. The central extensions 128 and thesecondary side walls 132 cooperate to form a housing for receiving oneof the jack fields 26.

[0031] As indicated above, the chassis 120 are adapted for connection tothe frames 21. For example, referring to FIG. 4, the illustrated chassis120 includes a plurality of mounting flanges 134 positioned at a frontside of the jack module 24. The mounting flanges 134 projecttransversely outward from the main side walls 126 and define aperturesfor allowing the chassis 120 to be fastened to one of the racks 20 byconventional fasteners (e.g., bolts, screws or the like).

[0032] To mount the jack modules 24 within the frames 21, the chassis120 are inserted into the bay openings 22 through front sides 28 of theframes 21. Once the chassis 120 are positioned within the bay openings22, the mounting flanges 134 of the chassis 120 are fastened to theframes 21. To remove the jack modules 24 from the frames 28, themounting flanges 134 are unfastened, and the chassis 120 are pulled backthrough the front sides 28 of the frames 21.

[0033] III. Jack Field

[0034] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the front jack fields 26 of the jackmodules 24 face outward from the front sides 28 of the frames 21. Eachjack field 26 includes an array of separate circuits or jacks 30 (e.g.,eighty-four jacks 30 are shown in each of the jack fields 26). Referringto FIG. 5, the illustrated jack field 26 is arranged in an array ofjacks 30 having a top, horizontal row 32 positioned above a bottom,horizontal row 34. The array is generally rectangular and has ahorizontal width W₁. In the preferred embodiment, each of the jacks 30includes a LED port 38, a MONITOR port 40, an OUT port 42, and an INport 44. More or fewer ports than those could be used. For example, andextra MONITOR port (e.g., for monitoring an “IN” signal) could be used.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 4, the jacks 30 of the illustrated jack field26 are fastened (e.g., by fasteners 33) to a front jack panel 136. Thejack panel 136 is connected to the chassis 120. For example, the jacks30 are secured generally between the central extensions 128 of thechassis 120, and fasteners 35 are used to connect the jack panel 136 tothe secondary side walls 132 of the chassis 120. As so mounted, thejacks 30 are arranged and configured to form a generally planar frontface of the jack module 24. By disconnecting the fasteners 35 from thesecondary side walls 132, the entire jack field 26 can be independentlyremoved from the jack module 24.

[0036] IV. Cross-connect Field

[0037] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 5, similar to the jack fields 26,the cross-connect fields 46 of the jack modules 24 face outward from thefront sides 28 of the frames 21. Each of the cross-connect fields 46 ispositioned directly beneath a corresponding one the jack fields 26 andhas a horizontal width W₂ that is greater than the horizontal width W₁of the jack fields 26. The cross-connect fields 46 each include aplurality of sets (e.g., 84 sets are shown) of cross-connect locations(e.g., wire termination members, pins, electrical connectors or thelike). For example, as shown in FIG. 5, each set of cross-connectlocations include a tracer lamp contact 48, a cross-connect tip-outcontact 50, a cross-connect ring-out contact 52, a cross-connect tip-incontact 54 and a cross-connect ring-in contact 56. As will be describedlater in the specification, each set of cross-connect contacts iselectrically connected to a corresponding jack 30 within the same jackmodule.

[0038] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5 (in which the frame 21 has beenomitted for clarity), the cross-connect field 46 of the illustratedmodule 24 is secured to the chassis 120 by a cross-connect panel 140.The cross-connect panel 140 is recessed relative to the front face ofthe jack field 26 and is fastened to the chassis 120 by fasteners 141.Side portions 142 of the cross-connect panel 140 are located adjacentthe notched regions 130 of the chassis 120 on opposite sides of the jackfield 26. A lower portion 144 of the cross-connect panel 140 extendsbeneath the jack field 26 and interconnects the two side portions 142.The cross-connect field 46 is secured to the lower portion 144 of thecross-connect panel 140. By disconnecting the fasteners 141, the entirecross-connect panel 140, including the cross-connect field 46, can beindependently removed from the chassis 120.

[0039] To facilitate horizontal cable management, the lower portion 144of the cross-connect panel 140 includes a generally horizontal jumpertray 146 located beneath the cross-connect field 46. The jumper tray 146projects in a forward direction from the chassis 120 and is adapted forsupporting cross-connect cables connected to the cross-connect field 46.Because the cross-connect panel 140 is recessed inward relative to thefront of the chassis 120, the jumper tray 146 can project outwardwithout violating the bay footprint. A jumper tray door 148 is pivotallyconnected to a free end of the jumper tray 146. The jumper tray door 148is pivotally movable about a generally horizontal pivot axis.

[0040] V. Input/Output Field

[0041] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, a representative one of theinput/output fields 58 is shown. The illustrated input/output field 58faces outward from a back side of the chassis 120 and includes threeseparate arrays of input/output connection locations. Each arrayincludes a plurality of sets (e.g., 28 sets) of input/output locations.As shown in FIG. 6, each set includes a tip-out contact 60, a ring-outcontact 62 a tip-in contact 64, and a ring-in contact 66. Theinput/output contact locations preferably comprise wire terminationmembers, pins, electrical connectors, or the like. Each set ofinput/output connection locations is preferably electrically connectedto a corresponding jack mounted within the same module 24.

[0042] Referring again to FIG. 7, the jack module 24 also includes avoltage contact 68, a voltage return contact 70, and shield groundcontact 72, and a chassis ground contact 74. Similar to the input/outputfield 58, the contacts 68, 70, 72 and 74 face outward from the back sideof the chassis 120.

[0043] VI. Jack Circuitry

[0044]FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram illustrating the electricalconnections made for one of the jacks 30. The illustrated jack 30 isshown receiving a twisted pair signal 43′ from a first piece oftelecommunications equipment 23′. The jack 30 is also shown outputting across-connected twisted pair signal 45′ (e.g., a signal cross-connectedfrom a second piece of equipment) to the first piece of equipment 23′.It will be appreciated that similar electrical configurations are usedfor each of the jacks 30 in each module 24.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 8, the IN port 44 includes a ring spring 76,and a normal spring 78 that normally engages the ring spring 76. The INport also includes a tip spring 80 and a normal spring 82 that normallyengages the tip spring 80. The ring spring 76 is electrically connectedto ring-in contact 66. The normal contact 78 is electrically connectedto cross-connect ring-in contact 56. The tip spring 80 is electricallyconnected to tip-in contact 64. Finally, the normal contact 82 iselectrically connected to cross-connect tip-in contact 54.

[0046] The signal 45′ enters the jack 30 through the cross-connectcontacts 54 and 56. With no plug inserted within the IN port 44, thesignal 45′ passes from the normal springs 82 and 78 though thetip-and-ring springs 80 and 76 and is outputted through contacts 64 and66 to the first piece of equipment 23′. By inserting a plug 90 withinthe IN port 44, the signal 45′ can be interrupted and a signal from theinserted plug 90 can be outputted at contact points 64 and 66. Withrespect to the jack 30, the signal 45′ is commonly referred to as an“IN” signal because it is inputted to the first piece of equipment 23′.

[0047] Referring again to FIG. 8, the OUT port 42 includes a ring spring92 and a normal spring 94 that normally contacts the ring spring 92. TheOUT port 42 also includes a tip spring 96, and normal spring 98 thatnormally contacts tip spring 96. The ring spring 92 is electricallyconnected to ring-out contact 62, and the normal contact 94 iselectrically connected to cross-connect ring-out contact 52. The tipspring 96 is electrically connected to tip-out contact 60, and thenormal spring 98 is electrically connected to cross-connect tip-outcontact 50. A signal 43′ is transmitted from the first piece ofequipment 23′ to the jack 30 through contacts 60 and 62. With no plug inthe OUT port 42, the signal 43′ travels from the tip-in ring springs 96and 92 through the normal springs 98 and 94 and exits the jack 30 viacross-connect contacts 50 and 52. Frequently, the cross-connect contacts50 and 52 are electrically connected to another set of cross-connectcontacts to provide a cross-connection. By inserting a plug within theOUT port 42, the signal 43′ from contacts 60 and 62 is interrupted andmay be outputted to the tip-and-ring contacts of the plug insertedwithin the OUT port 42. With respect to the jack 30, the signal 43′ iscommonly referred to as an “OUT” signal because it is outputted from thefirst piece of equipment 23′.

[0048] Still referring to FIG. 8, the MONITOR port 40 includes a ringspring 100 electrically connected to the ring spring 92 of the OUT port42, and a tip spring 102 electrically connected to the tip spring 96 ofthe OUT port 42. Frequently it is desirable to monitor the signal 43′arriving through contacts 62 and 60 without interrupting the signal 43′.To accomplish this, a plug is inserted into the monitor port 40. On thisoccurrence, the plug taps into the signal 43′ being transmitted throughthe tip-and-ring springs 96 and 92 of the OUT port 42 withoutinterrupting the signal 43′. Resistors prevent the signal 43′ from shortcircuiting through the tip and ring springs 102 and 100.

[0049] The MONITOR port 40 also includes a spring 104 that ismechanically connected to the ring spring 100 by a dielectric spacer106. The spring 104 is electrically connected to tracer lamp contact 48.Additionally, a lead 108 electrically connects the spring 104 to an LED110 preferably mounted at the LED port 38. The LED 110 is alsoelectrically connected to voltage contact 68. A return spring 112 ispositioned above the spring 104. The return spring 112 is electricallyconnected to voltage return contact 70. When a plug is inserted withinthe monitor port 40, the spring 104 is biased into contact with thereturn spring 112. This electrical connection connects the LED 110 tothe return line 112 thereby illuminating the LED. An integrated circuitchip 114 controls the flashing of the LED 110 as is conventionally knownin the art. In addition to activating the LED, insertion of a plug intothe monitor port 40 also grounds the tracer lamp contact 48 causingillumination of an LED on a jack to which the present jack iscross-connected.

[0050] VII. Front Cable Management

[0051] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, each rack 20 includes two sets ofcable management brackets 150 that define vertical channels 152 arrangedfor receiving and vertically managing a plurality of cross-connectcables. For example, the channels 152 are configured to manage verticalcross-connect cables, such as cable 154, that extend between differentjacks in the same rack 20. Also, the vertical channels 154 verticallymanage cross-connect cables, such as cable 156, that extend from one ofthe jacks 30 to either a top or bottom trough 158. The troughs 158provide horizontal support for cross-connect cables interconnectedbetween two different racks 20. As shown in FIG. 2, outer edges or lips159 of the troughs 158 are aligned generally along vertical planes Pthat extend along innermost portions of the brackets 150. The alignmentof the lips 159 along the planes P assists in providing smooth cabletransitions between the troughs 158 and the channels 152.

[0052] The vertical channels 152 are located on opposite sides of eachframe 21 with the jack modules 24 located between the channels 152. Thecable management brackets 150 include outer bracket portions 160 fixedlyconnected to the fronts 28 of the frames 21 by fasteners 162. The cablemanagement brackets 150 also include inner bracket portions 164pivotally connected to the outer bracket portions 160. The inner bracketportions 164 of the brackets 150 are pivotally movable aboutsubstantially vertical pivot axes between a first orientation (shown inFIGS. 1, 2 and 9A) and a second orientation (shown in FIG. 9B). When inthe first orientation, the inner bracket portions 164 extend partiallyacross (e.g., partially block or obstruct) front regions of the bayopenings 22. When in the second orientation, the inner bracket portions164 are generally offset from the front regions of the bay openings 22.

[0053] The pivotal nature of the brackets 150 assists in installing orremoving the jack modules 24 from the frames 21. For example, to installone of the jack modules 24 in one of the frames 21, the jack module 24is inserted through the front 28 of the frame 21 into the bay opening22. Once the module 24 is positioned within the bay 22, the chassis 120of the jack module 24 is fastened to the frame 21. If the brackets 150were not free to pivot, the inner bracket portions 164 that overlap thefronts of the bay openings 22 would prevent the modules 24 from beinginserted in or removed from the frames 21. However, because the innerbracket portions 164 are free to pivot, the jack modules 24 can beinserted into or removed from the frames 21 without removing thebrackets 150 from the frames 21. For example, by pivoting the innerbracket portions 164 from the first position of FIGS. 1, 2 and 9A to thesecond position of FIG. 9B, sufficient clearance is provided forallowing the jack module 24 to be inserted into or removed from eachframe 21. Because the brackets 150 are connected to the frames 21, fullvertical cable management is provided at the front of the rack 20 evenif only a few modules 24 are mounted in a given frame 21.

[0054] Referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B, the outer bracket portion 160 ofeach bracket 150 includes a main base 166 and spaced-apart, substantialparallel upper and lower bracket members 168 and 170 that extendtransversely outwardly from the main base 166. The first bracket portionalso includes retaining tabs 172 that project transversely outward fromfree ends of the upper and lower bracket members 168 and 170.

[0055] The inner bracket portion 164 of each mounting bracket 150includes a pivot base 174 and an intermediate bracket member 176. Theintermediate bracket member 176 of each pivot base 174 is verticallyaligned generally between the upper and lower bracket members 168 and170 of its corresponding outer bracket portion 160. Each inner bracketportion 164 also includes a transversely projecting retaining tab 178.

[0056] The pivot bases 174 are pivotally connected to the main bases 176such that the inner and outer bracket portions 164 and 160 are pivotallymovable relative to one another. Each bracket 150 defines a generallyrectangular opening sized for receiving a plurality of cross-connectedcables when in the first or open position of FIG. 9A. When the brackets150 are in the second or closed position of FIG. 9B, the intermediatebracket members 176 fit between the upper and lower bracket members 168and 170.

[0057] VIII. Rear Cable Management

[0058] The racks 20 are configured such that input/output cables (e.g.,equipment cables), which commonly extend downward from a ceiling accesslocation or upward from a floor access location, are adapted to extendalong back sides 29 of the frames 21. Consequently, unlike someconventional designs, the input/output cables are not fed between theindividual racks 20 and no fillers are required.

[0059] The racks 20 include rear cable management structures forvertically managing the cascade of input/output cables that will beprovided that the back side 29 of each frame 21. For example, referringto FIGS. 6 and 7, the racks 20 include a plurality of rear cablemanagement panels 180 (one of which is shown) adapted to be connected tothe back side 29 of each frame 21. The illustrated cable managementpanel 180 includes transverse flanges 181 defining openings for allowingthe rear cable management panel 180 to be fastened (e.g., by fastenerssuch as bolts, screws or the like) to the back side 29 of one of theframes 21. For clarity, the frame 21 has been omitted from FIGS. 6 and 7to better shown the spacial relationship between the panel 180 and itscorresponding chassis 120 when both are secured to the frame 21.

[0060] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the illustrated rear cable managementstructure also includes three sets of tie-down members 182 that arelaterally spaced across the rear cable management panel 180 so as todefine a plurality of vertical channels 184. Each set of tie-downmembers 182 includes two vertically spaced-apart tie-down members 182that project outward from the rear cable management panel 180. Thetie-down members 182 define a plurality of openings 186 for allowinginput and output cables to be tied down.

[0061] The rear cable management panel 180 of FIGS. 6 and 7 definesthree separate access openings 188 sized for receiving the threeseparate arrays of input/output connection locations corresponding tothe jack module 24. Cable bars 190 are positioned adjacent the accessopenings 188. The cable bars 190 define vertically elongated tie-downloops for tying down cables. The cable bars 190 are preferablypositioned between the access openings 188 and their corresponding setsof tie down members 182.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 7, several input/output cables 192 are shownextending along the rear cable management panel 180. The cables 192 havefirst portions 194 tied down at the tie-down members 182, and secondportions 196 tied down at the cable bars 190. In this manner. the cables192 extend laterally from their corresponding tie-down members 182 totheir corresponding input/output connection location.

[0063] Still referring to FIG. 7, the rear cable management panel 180also defines an opening 191 for providing access to the voltage contact68, the voltage return contact 70, the shield ground contact 72 and thechassis ground contact 74. The contacts 68-74 are separated from theinput/output cables 192 by the tie-down members 182. A lance 198 isprovided for tying down wires connected to the contacts 68-74.

[0064]FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate an alternative rear cable managementstructure constructed in accordance with the principles of the presentinvention. The structure includes a rear cable management panel 280. Thepanel 280 includes transverse flanges 281 defining apertures forallowing the panel 280 to be connected to the back side 29 of one of theframes 21 by conventional fasteners. The cable management structure alsoincludes three separate vertical channels 284 for vertically managinginput/output cables. Each of the vertical channels 284 is defined by twovertically-spaced apart bracket members 282. The bracket members projectoutward from the cable management panel 280 and define generallyrectangular openings sized for receiving the input/output cables.Generally rectangular access openings 288 are positioned adjacent toeach of the vertical channels 284. The access openings 288 are sized andshaped to provide access to input/output contact locations correspondingto a particular jack module. The cable management panel 280 also definesan opening 291 for providing access to voltage contacts, voltage returncontacts, shield ground contacts and chassis ground contactscorresponding to the particular jack module.

[0065]FIGS. 12 and 13 show another rear cable management structureconstructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.The cable management structure includes a rear cable management panel380. The rear cable management panel 380 includes transverse flanges 381defining openings for allowing the panel 380 to be fastened (e.g., byconventional fasteners) to the back side 29 of one of the frames 21. Thecable management panel 380 defines a single, central access opening 388for providing input/output contact access. The rear cable managementstructure also includes six vertical cable management channels 384defined between eight sets of tie-down members 382. Each set of tie-downmembers 382 includes three vertically spaced-apart tie-down members 382.

[0066] Having described preferred aspects and embodiments of the presentinvention, modifications and equivalents of the disclosed concepts mayreadily occur to one skilled in the art. However, it is intended thatsuch modifications and equivalents be included within the scope of theclaims that are appended hereto.

We claim:
 1. A rack for telecommunications equipment, the rackcomprising: a frame defining a bay opening sized and shaped forreceiving a plurality of jack modules; and a first set of cablemanagement brackets that define a first vertical channel arranged andconfigured for receiving and vertically managing a plurality ofcross-connect cables, each of the cable management brackets including apivot portion that is pivotally moveable relative to the frame, thepivot portions being pivotally movable between first positions in whichthe pivot portions extend partially across a front of the bay opening,and second positions in which the pivot portions are generally offsetfrom the front of the bay opening.
 2. The rack of claim 1, furthercomprising a second set of the cable management brackets defining asecond vertical channel, the first and second channels located onopposite sides of the bay opening.
 3. The rack of claim 2, wherein eachbracket includes an outer bracket portion fixedly connected to theframe, and wherein the pivot portions of the brackets include innerbracket portions that are pivotally connected to the outer bracketportions.
 4. The rack of claim 3, wherein the vertical channels havegenerally rectangular cross-sections.
 5. The rack of claim 4, whereinone of the inner and outer bracket portions includes two verticallyspaced-apart channel defining members, and the other of the inner andouter bracket portions includes one channel defining member that isvertically aligned between the two vertically spaced-apart channeldefining members.
 6. The rack of claim 1, wherein further comprising aplurality of jack modules mounted within the bay opening, the jackmodules being inserted into the bay opening through the front of the bayopening, the jack modules including jacks defining sets of ports forreceiving tip-and-ring plugs, each jack being electrically connected toa corresponding set of cross-connect locations, and each jack also beingelectrically connected to a corresponding set of input/output locations.7. The rack of claim 1, further comprising at least one jack modulemounted within the bay opening, the jack module including an array ofjacks forming a front face defining a plurality of ports for receivingtip-and-ring plugs, the array of jacks including a first horizontal rowof jacks and a second horizontal row of jacks, the first horizontal rowof jacks being positioned above the second horizontal row of jacks; andthe jack module including an array of cross-connect locations positionedbeneath the second horizontal row of jacks, the array of cross-connectlocations including first sets of cross-connect locations that areelectrically connected to corresponding ones of the first row of jacks,and the array of cross-connect locations also including second sets ofcross-connect locations that are electrically connected to correspondingones of the second row of jacks.
 8. The rack of claim 7, furthercomprising a jumper tray positioned directly below the array ofcross-connect locations.
 9. The rack of claim 8, wherein the jumper trayincludes a front door that pivots about a generally horizontal pivotaxis.
 10. The rack of claim 7, further comprising front cover panelportions positioned on opposite sides of the array of jacks, the frontcover panel portions being generally parallel to the front face formedby the array of jacks, the front cover panel portions also beingrecessed relative to the front face formed by the array of jacks, andthe front cover panel portions being interconnected by an intermediatepanel portion on which the array of cross-connect locations is mounted.11. The rack of claim 7, wherein the array of jacks is generallyrectangular and has a horizontal width W₁, and the array ofcross-connect locations is generally rectangular and has a horizontalwidth W₂ that is greater than the width W₁.
 12. The rack of claim 1,further comprising a rear cable management structure mounted at a backside of the frame, the rear cable management structure including a rearpanel defining at least one access opening sized and positioned forproviding access to in/out connection locations of one of the jackmodules when the jack module is mounted in the bay opening of the frame,the rear cable management structure also including rear channel definingmembers secured to the rear panel, the rear channel defining membersdefining a plurality of rear cable management channels sized and shapedfor providing vertical cable management for in/out cables that extendalong the back side of the frame.
 13. The rack of claim 12, wherein therear channel defining members comprise a plurality of rear brackets thatproject outward from the rear panel.
 14. The rack of claim 13, whereinthe rear brackets define generally rectangular openings.
 15. The rack ofclaim 12, wherein the rear channel defining members comprise a pluralityof tie-down members that project outward from the rear panel.
 16. Therack of claim 15, wherein the plurality of tie-down members includes aplurality of laterally spaced-apart sets of tie-down members, each setof tie down members including at least two vertically spaced-apart tiedown members.
 17. The rack of claim 16, wherein the at least one accessopening includes a plurality of separate, laterally spaced-apart accessopenings, each of the access opening corresponding to a particular oneof the sets of vertically spaced-apart tie-down members.
 18. The rack ofclaim 17, further comprising a plurality cable bars connected to therear panel and defining vertically elongated tie-down loops, each of thecable bars being positioned between the access openings and theircorresponding set of vertically spaced-apart tie-down members.
 19. Therack of claim 7, further comprising a rear cable management structuremounted at a back side of the frame, the rear cable management structureincluding a rear panel defining at least one access opening sized andpositioned for providing access to in/out connection locations of one ofthe jack modules when the jack module is mounted in the bay opening ofthe frame, the rear cable management structure also including rearchannel defining members secured to the rear panel, the rear channeldefining members defining a plurality of rear cable management channelssized and shaped for providing vertical cable management for in/outcables that extend along the back side of the frame.
 20. A cablemanagement bracket comprising: a first bracket portion including a mainbase and spaced-apart, substantially parallel upper and lower bracketmembers that extend transversely outward from the main base, the firstbracket portion also including retaining tabs that project transverselyoutward from free ends of the upper and lower bracket members; a secondbracket portion including a pivot base and an intermediate bracketmember that extends transversely outward from the pivot base and isvertically aligned generally between the upper and lower bracket members, the second bracket portion also including a retaining tab thatprojects transversely outward from the intermediate bracket member; thepivot base being pivotally connected to the main base such that thefirst and second bracket portions are pivotally moveable relative oneanother; and the first bracket portion and the second bracket portionbeing pivotally moveable between a first position in which the first andsecond bracket portions define a generally rectangular opening sized forreceiving a plurality of cross-connect cables, and a second position inwhich the intermediate bracket member of the second bracket portionextends between the upper and lower bracket members of the first bracketportion.
 21. A jack module for a telecommunications system, the jackmodule comprising: an array of jacks forming a front face defining aplurality of ports for receiving tip-and-ring plugs, the array of jacksincluding a first horizontal row of jacks and a second horizontal row ofjacks, the first horizontal row of jacks being positioned above thesecond horizontal row of jacks; and an array of cross-connect locationspositioned beneath the second horizontal row of jacks, the array ofcross-connect locations including first sets of cross-connect locationsthat are electrically connected to corresponding ones of the first rowof jacks, and the array of cross-connect locations also including secondsets of cross-connect locations that are electrically connected tocorresponding ones of the second row of jacks.
 22. The jack module ofclaim 21, further comprising a jumper tray positioned directly below thearray of cross-connect locations.
 23. The jack module of claim 22,wherein the jumper tray includes a front door that pivots about agenerally horizontal pivot axis.
 24. The jack module of claim 21,further comprising front cover panel portions positioned on oppositesides of the array of jacks, the front cover panel portions beinggenerally parallel to the front face formed by the array of jacks, thefront cover panel portions also being recessed relative to the frontface formed by the array of jacks, and the front cover panel portionsbeing interconnected by an intermediate panel portion on which the arrayof cross-connect locations is mounted.
 25. The jack module of claim 21,wherein the array of jacks is generally rectangular and has a horizontalwidth W₁, and the array of cross-connect locations is generallyrectangular and has a horizontal width W₂ that is greater than the widthW₁.
 26. The jack module of claim 10, wherein the array of jacks and thearray of cross-connect locations are secured to a chassis adapted to beconnected to a telecommunications rack.
 27. A rack fortelecommunications equipment, the rack comprising: a frame defining abay opening sized and shaped for receiving a plurality of jack modulesthrough a front side of the frame; and a rear cable management structuremounted at a back side of the frame, the rear cable management structureincluding a rear panel defining at least one access opening sized andpositioned for providing access to input/output connection locations ofone of the jack modules when the jack module is mounted in the bayopening of the frame, the rear cable management structure also includingrear channel defining members secured to the rear panel, the rearchannel defining members defining a plurality of rear cable managementchannels sized and shaped for providing vertical cable management forinput/output cables that extend along the back side of the frame. 28.The rack of claim 27, wherein the rear channel defining members comprisea plurality of rear brackets that project outward from the rear panel.29. The rack of claim 28, wherein the rear brackets define generallyrectangular openings.
 30. The rack of claim 27, wherein the rear channeldefining members comprise a plurality of tie-down members that projectoutward from the rear panel.
 31. The rack of claim 30, wherein theplurality of tie-down members includes a plurality of laterallyspaced-apart sets of tie-down members, each set of tie down membersincluding at least two vertically spaced-apart tie down members.
 32. Therack of claim 31, wherein the at least one access opening includes aplurality of separate, laterally spaced-apart access openings, each ofthe access opening corresponding to a particular one of the sets ofvertically spaced-apart tie-down members.
 33. The rack of claim 32,further comprising a plurality cable bars connected to the rear paneland defining vertically elongated tie-down loops, each of the cable barsbeing positioned between the access openings and their corresponding setof vertically spaced-apart tie-down members.
 34. The rack of claim 27,further comprising battery and ground contacts positioned at the rearpanel, the battery and ground contacts being separated from the at leastone access opening by at least one of the rear channel defining members.